Barb Jungr - Just Like a Woman (hymn to Nina) - The Scotsman

21 March 2008The ScotsmanKenny Mathieson

At first glance the title might lead you to expect another foray into Dylan territory, but the sub-title. "Hymn to Nina", reveals the real subject of this latest outing. I was never a great fan of Nina Simone's histrionics, but - as with her earlier Dylan disc - Jungr doesn't go for an overt attempt to replicate the distinctive style of her subject. Rather, she grafts a bit of Simone's phrasing and rhythmic approach on to her own interpretations, and in the process evens out the peaks and troughs. Apart from the title song, a couple of other Dylan songs are included, alongside a selection of pop or rock songs that cropped up in Simone's repertoire over the years, culminating in Feeling Good, often an epic in Nina's hands but faster and less fevered here. Not for me, but admirers of both women may react more positively.